Topic: countryman b3s vs Nevatons

[nicegrin]

Hi all!

This question is kind of directed to mr. illconditioned but ofcourse anyone is free to give their input!

What is your opinion about countryman b3 vs. Nevaton MCE400? I have the nevatons and love them but would there be any reasons to pick up the b3s aswell? Only problem I have with the nevatons is the matching (I have to adjust in post most of the times!)...  Curious to hear how you would describe their differences and their pros and cons!

Thanks!
Nicegrin!

[illconditioned]

OK, I prefer Nevaton sound.  It has slightly better sound, and quite a bit lower noise floor.  However, as you mentioned, matching was a problem for me.  Mine were pretty good in level, but the spectral response was quite different.  They were only equal at 1kHz!


I also like b3 because they are quite a bit smaller, more robust, and can run directly off plug in power.


Now, that said, IMO both mics completely blow away any other omni mic I've heard.  Much nicer than even DPA4060.  I don't mind admitting this, even after I spent $800 to get a new matched pair of DPA.  I thought the DPA would be the end of my search, but that is not the case.


  Richard

[jbou]

I also like b3 because they are quite a bit smaller, more robust, and can run directly off plug in power.

  Richard

Does this mean your B3s are terminated with a mini stereo plug?

[illconditioned]

I also like b3 because they are quite a bit smaller, more robust, and can run directly off plug in power.

  Richard

Does this mean your B3s are terminated with a mini stereo plug?

Purchase unterminated "pigtail" B3's.  Approx $150 each from B&H.  Regular sensitivity version is fine.


Wires: shield, red, black.  Shields to ground (sleeve) on miniplug.  Red wires to tip (left), ring (right).  Black wires each go to 2.2k resistor to ground.  There is some debate as to whether a source resistor is needed.  (The alternative is to short black wires directly to ground.)  But Countryman will not supply details on internal wiring of capsule.  I run the 2.2k resistor to be sure to prevent overload.  That's it. Just plug this into Edirol R09 or Sony PCM and you're good to go!

As far as I'm concerned this setup will blow away anything out there, including DPA406x.

  Richard

[nicegrin]

That´s sweet! Diffucult to find anything more compact than that and still good quality!

[Chuck]

I wonder where they get the capsules?

[illconditioned]

I wonder where they get the capsules?

I would not be surprised if they are manufactured in house.  If anyone finds out otherwise, I'd love to know.
They are stainless steel diaphragm, and stainless case, 5mm diameter by 3mm high (approx).
The smaller B6 capsules are 2.5mm diameter, 3mm high (approx).


  Richard

[dennisrtyler]

how long are the stock cables on the B3s, Richard? thanks.

[illconditioned]

how long are the stock cables on the B3s, Richard? thanks.

I think it is something like 4' or just a bit under.  Enough to run from your head to your pocket...


  Richard

[dennisrtyler]

thanks

[ArchivalAudio]

I think this is the correct link for pigtail version  but which one  for strong vocals or for general speaking?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/514059-REG/Countryman_B3W5FF05BNC_B3_Omnidirectional_Lavalier_Microphone.html#specifications
Countryman B3 Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone (Black)
    * Pigtail (Unterminated) for
    * Headroom for Strong Vocals
    * Black
    * B&H # COB3W5BNC   * Mfr #B3W5FF05BNC



or this one?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/294567-REG/Countryman_B3W4FF05BNC_B3_Omnidirectional_Lavalier_Microphone.html#specifications
 Countryman B3 Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone (Black)

    * Pigtail (Unterminated) 2-wire f/
    * Headroom for General Speaking
    * Black
    * B&H # COB3W4BNC    * Mfr # B3W4FF05BNC

[illconditioned]

^^^ The second one, regular sensitivity, B3W4FF05BNC.  The first one is -10dB.

You should be able to get the for exactly $150.  Try fullcompass.com.  Hmm.  Just checked.  All places seem to be up to $170 now.  I wonder if the price just went up.  I was just looking a day or two ago.  Anyway, still worth the money.

  Richard

[ArchivalAudio]

^^^ The second one, regular sensitivity, B3W4FF05BNC.  The first one is -10dB.

You should be able to get the for exactly $150.  Try fullcompass.com.  Hmm.  Just checked.  All places seem to be up to $170 now.  I wonder if the price just went up.  I was just looking a day or two ago.  Anyway, still worth the money.

  Richard

thanx  Richard

--Ian

[illconditioned]

Oh yeah, I put up some more clips, including B3 ones, http://Soundmann.com.

  Richard

[Chuck]

Richard:

How many wires come off the B3's?
How did they fit any electronics in that tiny head? There must be an FET, capacitor and source resistor at a minimum.